Go Away (I'm Working!)
By Chrissie Clark

During the time I have designated as my 'working hours', the biggest offender I have found are well-meaning (but still irritating) friends and family. No matter how many times you try to tell them otherwise, these wonderful folks have determined that you can't possibly be busy based on the simple fact that you are home!

In your every day life, interruptions are as common as a cold - and just as annoying! There's no avoiding them. In the business world, no one faces more interruptions in the course of a single day than those working at home. How many times have you sat down to begin an important project and the phone rings? What about those many times you have begun a teleconference with an influential client when someone knocks on your front door?

As a freelance writer working out of my home, I often need complete silence and solitude while I am working - not an easy feat with 2 young boys, a husband, a big dog and a squawking parrot in the house! During the time I have designated as my 'working hours', the biggest offender I have found are well-meaning (but still irritating) friends and family. No matter how many times you try to tell them otherwise, these wonderful folks have determined that you can't possibly be busy based on the simple fact that you are home! They insist on calling you on the phone or dropping by your house on a whim, and always during your working hours.

What is the best way to handle this type of situation? Do you hide when the doorbell rings, hoping they won't see your car? Do you answer the phone with a hoarse voice, sniffing and sneezing while you explain you are simply too sick to talk? Short of putting a sign on your door reading 'Quarantined', there is no quick fix to this problem. The fact is, you must get your work done, and you need time - sans company - in order to do so.

How to tell friends and family that you are working
Your first step would be to let everyone know - and I do mean everyone - what your usual working hours are. You must explain clearly that you really need peace and quiet during this period. Some of your loved ones may take offense, so be prepared. But those who are miffed at your demands will probably be mad no matter what you tell them. And if they fail to understand and respect your needs and desires, then maybe you're better off without them to begin with (unless, of course, it's your mother).

So let's say you've announced to everyone that you are now working at home and that between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM you would really appreciate them holding off on the phone calls and drop ins in order for you to get your work done. Think you've got it nailed, right? WRONG! There will always be those who for some reason think this announcement doesn't apply to them. I have told my friends and family time and time again that for two hours during the afternoon when my little boy is napping, I am not available to come to the phone (unless it is an emergency). And during these two hours, my phone is never busier.

Here is a conversation that took place just recently during one of these times (names have been changed to protect the innocent):

(Telephone rings);

ME: 'Hello?' I say this cautiously as I think to myself 'This better be good'.

CALLER: 'Hi, Chris. This is Sally.' (Sally is a dear friend whom I speak with at least twice a week) 'Are you busy?'

ME: 'Well, Sally, I just put the baby to sleep and I was about to...'

SALLY: Oh, I know this is his nap time. That's why I called you now. I figured you would have some free time and would be able to talk.'

ME: 'Actually, no, Sally, I don't have free time. When I put the baby down for a nap, it's time for me to get to work. I'm not available to talk right now, but I'll gladly call you back later if you'll be home.' I say this in a cheerful but extremely exasperated voice.

SALLY: 'Sorry. I didn't know you'd be busy.' Sally is obviously insulted now.

ME: 'Well, I did mention a few days ago when we had lunch with the girls that I would be working at home now and would be doing the majority of my work while the baby naps. I did also say that I would appreciate it if I didn't receive any calls during that time. Remember?' I have now lost all semblance of patience and courtesy.

SALLY: 'Oh, yes, but I didn't think you meant me!'

You get the idea. Short of me reaching into the phone to grab Sally by the neck, I end the conversation as quickly - and as politely - as possible and go back to work.

Be firm and diplomatic
There's no easy way prevent this type of situation from happening. You must be as firm as possible, while still being diplomatic. You don't want to alienate your oldest and dearest friend from high school simply because she has chosen to call while you are facing a deadline submission and at the same time experiencing a bad case of writer's block. Take care not to offend Great Aunt Olga when she telephones offering a batch of home baked cookies while you are struggling to do your taxes. Try to keep in mind that they probably mean well, and just don't realize what your work entails.

One of the difficulties faced by those working out of their homes is society's ignorance of the home business owner's daily responsibilities. Although working at home has become a common practice, especially with stay at home moms, the public's understanding of the concept is still undefined. If you ask my grandmother what I do for a living, she will tell you: a) I stay home with the kids; and b) I type on the computer. That's it, plain and simple. So for someone like her, who knows nothing of what my day consists of, it is no great misdeed to call up and ask me to take her to the mall in the middle of the day. In her mind, the computer will always be there and I can always get back to it after our shopping trip. Never mind that I have an article due and an editor is breathing down my neck!

So take a deep breath, put a smile on your face and politely but firmly tell that intruder who has rang your doorbell because she saw your car in the driveway and thought you might want to chat - you're working! Be strong (don't cave in to offers of freshly baked cookies). Be proud (not many have the opportunity to work in the comfort of their own home). Most of all, be brave (they may never speak to you again)!

Christine Clark is a wife, mom and freelance writer. You can receive info on her other works at her web site, http://members.aol.com/clarkpromo/index.html 
E-mail: clarkpromo@aol.com
Author's URL: http://members.aol.com/clarkpromo/index.html

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